AN/AAR-44 Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS)

The AN/AAR-44 is a passive Infrared Warning Receiver designed to provide warning of Surface to Air Missiles (SAMS) and pass information to countermeasures systems. The AN/AAR-44 Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) warns of threat missile approach, enabling the effective employment of evasive maneuvers and electronic and infrared countermeasures. The system detects a missile launch by reading the IR heat signature of the missile's plume. The
sensor unit continually spins 360 degrees watching the ground for a missile launch. When it detects an IR that matches its threat database it gives the aircrew a visual warning to the missile's bearing in relationship to the aircraft. It also gives an audible
warning. If selected, it can be tied to the ALE-40 to automatically dispense chaff or flare. This system is manufactured by Cincinnati Electronics.